Tim Burchett

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, if this unanimous consent request cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule the Born-Alive bill because survivors of abortion deserve protection, and the American people deserve a vote on this bill.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker?

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I suggest to you that Congress is out of order when we fail to protect the least amongst us.

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker?

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Chair, I rise today to speak on behalf of Dr. Burgess' Amendment to H.R. 1500, the Consumers First Act. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has two primary flaws. First, Congress does not oversee the agency, and a sole director determines its priorities. Second, instead of securing funding through the Congressional appropriations process, the CFPB receives money from the Federal Reserve. This funding method exempts it from budgetary limitations and is a prime candidate for the irresponsible use of tax dollars. These practices do not serve the American people, those that this agency was designed to protect. Because of this current lack of oversight and accountability, the agency is vulnerable to political whims. An agency this powerful should have Congressional oversight. Dr. Burgess' amendment, which I am proud to cosponsor, would help to right these wrongs. It would subject the CFBP to the Congressional appropriations process, just like other federal agencies of similar scope and size. This is not a partisan amendment: The simple change would increase resistance to political impulses and accountability to the American people.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record an editorial submitted to the Knoxville News Sentinel addressing the Tennessee Valley Authority's new CEO, Jeff Lyash, urging him to fix the current coal ash problem. I am also including a resolution introduced by Tennessee State Senator Ken Yager calling for the TVA to make all board meetings open to the public. [From Knoxville News Sentinel, on Apr. 14, 2019] An Open Letter to TVA's New CEO: You Need to be the Leader Your Predecessor Was Not, Here's How (Unauthored Editorial) Welcome to Tennessee, Mr. Lyash. No doubt you had a busy first week as the new CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority. And what a responsibility! You lead the nation's first and largest regional planning and economic development agency owned and operated by the federal government. You provide power for some 10 million people, and you employ thousands in our state. You've taken over an organization whose history and legacy are revolutionary and inspiring. Few organizations have transformed the lives of so many people, across so many generations. And we know you believe deeply in this mission, a mission derived from decades of service to improving the lives of the people of the Tennessee Valley. This is what has brought you to Knoxville. Which is why today we challenge you to be the leader your predecessor was not. We challenge you to launch a fully independent and transparent investigation of safety and workplace practices that occurred in the aftermath of the massive Kingston coal ash spill and cleanup--not just the TVA's own practices, but those of every one of the contractors and subcontractors it employs. We've reported extensively about the workers who have died, and the hundreds of others who are sick, after their exposure to the toxic ash. Learn from the mistakes of the past and demand accountability. We challenge you to commit to a top-to-bottom review and overhaul of workplace safety at every power plant you operate. Last week we reported about workers at two Tennessee plants who are exposed to fly ash dust and flue gas without masks or respirators. We challenge you to review your relationship with Jacobs Engineering. Although the case goes on, a federal jury already found Jacobs breached its contract with the TVA and its duty to ensure the health of cleanup workers. Yet you're still doing hundreds of millions of dollars of business with the company. We challenge you to hire an independent consultant to radically remake your internal reporting and whistle-blowing procedures and make sure they are accessible to your contractors as well. Your people are adamant no one should fear workplace retaliation, yet your workers are coming to us because they don't trust TVA. We challenge you to rid the agency of double-speak and misdirection--where it's culturally acceptable to mislead the public, as Bill Johnson did when he said that the EPA, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and OSHA were on site daily during the Kingston cleanup. Today at the TVA it's acceptable for your official spokesman to recraft this as mere hyperbole. Finally, we challenge you to visit your employees in the field. Talk to them. Not with an entourage, not with a phalanx of handlers who will hand-select the ones who'll say the ``right'' things to you. You need to hear the truth. You need to visit sick men in hospitals and listen to their stories. You need to sit down in the lunchroom with truck drivers who are around fly ash all day. You need to walk through the plant, see things yourself. And then you need to do the right thing.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, on March 5th, I missed all called votes because my flight from Knoxville, Tennessee, to Washington, D.C., was cancelled and I was unable to arrive until after conclusion of the day's votes. On Friday, May 17, I was being treated in the Emergency Department at George Washington University Hospital and was unable to vote on H.R. 5. Had I been able to vote, I would have voted against the bill.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I salute you for your salute to the Tennessee Big Orange with your tie selection. I also rise today to recognize Weigel's Farm Stores, an east Tennessee-based convenience store chain, for its dedication to selling Tennessee products. Recently, Weigel's announced that it would sell milk only produced, processed, and bottled within the State. In 1931, the Weigel family began operating a dairy. Over decades, the family business expanded from farming to owning and operating 67 stores in the region. I remember the square jugs of Weigel's milk that became iconic in the Knoxville area. Although they no longer produce their own milk, their commitment to Tennessee dairy products has remained constant. Independently owned dairies have long been an important part of east Tennessee's economy, but recently, these operations have struggled to compete with the larger farms. I am glad that Bill Weigel, a good friend of my family's and the current owner of the business, and his family are investing in our local products and family farms, and I hope their decision will inspire other milk processors in the area to do the same.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, the city of Knoxville and the people of the Second Congressional District lost a distinguished citizen and leader on March 11 when my good friend, Arthur Seymour, Jr., died at the age of 74. Arthur was born in Knoxville and lived there his entire life, leaving only to attend the University of the South at Sewanee and to serve in the U.S. Army. He was a leading attorney in east Tennessee and was an example of what an attorney should be. He was fair, well-prepared, honest, objective, and relentless for his clients. He was involved in many civic organizations and was a strong leader at St. John's Episcopal Church. He served on the Knoxville Airport Authority as a board member and chair of the East Tennessee Historical Society. He virtually never missed an election and took his civic duties very seriously. He and his wife traveled extensively in Europe, and Arthur had a particular interest in literary matters. For several years he belonged to a book club which met regularly, and he was always reading a book. His life was enhanced by a 50-year marriage to his wife, Susan, who was a longtime teacher in our wonderful city of Knoxville. Arthur Seymour, Jr., was truly an example of what a citizen should aspire to be.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak out against the plague known as anti-Semitism. We witnessed it in Charlottesville. We suffered through the killings at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Mr. Speaker, and we saw it again recently here in Congress. Anti-Semitism is a condition that has afflicted our world for many centuries and ranges from written and spoken words to the mass murder of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust. Each of us must speak out and condemn it in clear and certain terms whenever it appears, Mr. Speaker. In Knoxville, my late father, mother, and I, along with our good friend, Bernie Bernstein, helped build with our own hands a memorial to the 6 million. Just a few months ago, I traveled to Israel and saw firsthand how the Holocaust affected the Jewish people and how they created a new and dynamic democratic state in the Middle East. As I heard someone say yesterday, Israel is an oasis of democracy in a conflicted region, and support for Israel is not a Jewish issue; it is an American issue, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, the truth is, support for one of our Nation's staunchest allies and anti-Semitism, they cannot coexist. As we remember the Holocaust and protect the democracy of Israel, let us join together in condemning anti-Semitism in whatever form it appears, whether in our neighborhoods or here on the House floor.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Bryson Watkins, a 13-year-old from Lenoir City in the Second Congressional District of Tennessee, for his selflessness and quick thinking. On February 13, Bryson saved another young man's life after receiving a message through social media. Bryson sprinted to inform a sheriff's deputy, and together, they initiated a response by law enforcement. In the aftermath of the event, Loudon County Sheriff Tim Guider honored Bryson with the Sheriff's Citizen Lifesaving Award. On behalf of the Second District, I extend my appreciation for Bryson's actions. We should recognize Bryson for his integrity, compassion, and maturity. Not many 13-year-olds, Mr. Speaker, have the wherewithal to encounter a crisis situation and act so responsibly. He acted quickly and appropriately. Bryson's leadership in this situation speaks volumes of the values that his parents had instilled in him and the community in which he was raised. His ability to work with local law enforcement is also a tribute to the dedication of the Loudon County Sheriff's Department, Mr. Speaker, and I thank them all for their commitment to the community.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise tonight concerned about residents of my district dealing with flooding that claimed one life there and has damaged roads and private property throughout the region. The loss of life during this recent flooding is tragic, and my family and I continue to pray for everyone affected back home. One group of people deserves to be recognized for the work they do in times of crisis, and they are our first responders and other emergency personnel. When the rest of us are seeking shelter from the storm, the men and women who make up our fire and police departments, rescue crews, and emergency communications professionals are going to work to coordinate a rapid response that will save lives and help limit property damage. It is appropriate that during these times of disaster we continue to pray for those who are suffering and show appreciation for those who work so hard to protect us. Madam Speaker, I ask that all my House colleagues join me in doing that.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Bishop for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, the Natural Resources Management Act is notable for its bipartisan support and for the conservation of our natural treasures. Tennessee's Second District, the district I represent, is home to a large portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mr. Speaker, the most visited national park in our Nation. Last year, more than 10 million visitors enjoyed the park, its wildlife, and its beautiful views and vistas. The Foothills Parkway traverses the park, and it includes a bridge currently called, creatively enough, Bridge 2. S. 47 would rename the bridge for the late Dean Stone, a longtime editor of The Daily Times in Maryville, Tennessee. During his tenure at The Daily Times, Dean advocated for the completion of the Foothills Parkway that enables so many to view the park. I hope to take my daughter, Isabel, and my wife, Kelly, up there shortly. Bridge 2 posed one of the greatest challenges to the parkway's completion. It has been described as an engineering marvel, Mr. Speaker, for the construction techniques that minimized its environmental impact. It is fitting that this bridge bears Dean's name, not only so we can continue our stewardship of these landscapes, but also so that we can honor the people who pushed us to preserve them and increase their accessibility.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Indiana for yielding to me. I rise to join my colleagues in advocating for the unborn. This country was founded to preserve our inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Abortion, the murder of innocent children, cannot coexist with our fundamental beliefs. Late-term abortion is particularly brutal. It includes tearing limbs from bodies and stopping beating hearts. Only seven countries, including China and North Korea, have legalized this practice. The United States, Mr. Speaker, should not be in that same category as known human rights abusers. Proponents of abortion claim pro-life policy is an attack on women's rights, but doctors have determined late-term abortions, Mr. Speaker, endanger the mother more than giving birth. The best way to protect women's rights is to protect life. I close with a little story. Before my mama left this Earth to meet her savior, she was in and out of consciousness, Mr. Speaker. At one point, she had talked to her father, who had passed away long before her, and her brother, who had passed away in the Second World War, and my daddy, who had gone before her just a couple years prior. She was looking off into the corner, and I said: What are you looking at, mama? She said: Baby, I am looking at all those sweet little babies up there. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that my mother was looking at some babies that had been murdered. I urge my colleagues to stand with me to protect the unborn. By doing so, we defend the inalienable rights of all Americans.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of one of my district's most notable journalistic figures, Charlie Daniel. He spent the last six decades as a political cartoonist in Knoxville and retired this year. He is a marine, like my brother-in-law, Cliff Worsham, and my father, and he served his country admirably. His retirement is a loss to our community. I have never known a time when you couldn't open the Knoxville News Sentinel to see Charlie's latest cartoon taking one politician or another to task. Quite often, Mr. Speaker, it was me, because Charlie and I didn't always get along or see eye to eye, and I have forgiven him for his transgressions. Mr. Speaker, he was and is one of the best. I have been made fun of by people all over the world, but my friend Charlie is my favorite. His cartoons were razor sharp while still being respectful. Comic artists that I grew up looking at, like Steve Ditko, Frank Frazetta, Neal Adams, and Joe Kubert, are probably more famous but never were as creative as Charlie is. He is a Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame inductee and has been recognized by the National Cartoonists Society. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to call him my dear friend, and I know I speak for many in east Tennessee when I say that the morning paper isn't the same without him.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to finally come to the table for a meaningful discussion around securing our Nation's borders. The Democrats' leadership would have the entire country believe that our President and the Republicans are the ones holding up negotiations to avoid another unnecessary government shutdown, but it is the President and the House Republicans who have come to the bargaining table in good faith. Just this week, there were rumors that a deal was near with less border funding than the President and my party wanted. That is what happens in negotiations: We give, and they take. Now that we are close to a deal being cut, the Democrats are moving the goalpost, Mr. Speaker. This brand-new cap on ICE detention beds came out of thin air and is proof that the Democrats are willing to do anything to keep from making a deal with the President and the Republicans. What is worse, the move by the Democrats would make our country less secure. It is just a backdoor attempt to get rid of ICE entirely. The citizens of this country deserve better, Mr. Speaker. They deserve a government that works. Let's do the job our constituents sent us here to do.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to plead with my colleagues to address the ongoing crisis at our borders. Just last week, Federal agents made the largest fentanyl bust in U.S. history at a checkpoint along our border with Mexico. These drugs were headed into our communities. Some of our colleagues will say the fact that the bust occurred at a legal point of entry is proof that we are doing enough to keep our Nation secure and our neighborhoods safe. I ask you, if these drug dealers are bold enough to try to sneak this much contraband through a known checkpoint, how much are they smuggling across our porous borders in the dark of night or through the open desert? The answer is, more than we know. And it is far too much, Mr. Speaker. Whether it is the promise of work and entitlements or the promise of an illegal drug market, we must demagnetize the attraction to our country for those who disregard our sovereignty and rule of law. We must secure our country and deal with the human trafficking and narcotics trafficking crisis that exists at our southern border.

Mr. BURCHETT

Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart to speak about my constituent, Pierce Corcoran. On December 29, 2018, Pierce was struck and killed by a vehicle operated by an undocumented immigrant in Knoxville. This is a personal matter for me, Madam Speaker, because I have been friends with Pierce's family for many years, and they remain in my prayers. Pierce was an incredible, hardworking, fine Christian young man who will be deeply missed. People want to come to our country for new opportunities and the pursuit of happiness, and this Nation is full of incentives that attract not only legal, but also illegal immigrants. The most recent data shows that there are approximately 606,000 overstayed visa recipients and 10.7 million unauthorized immigrants. Removing incentives that encourage unlawful immigration and demagnetizing that attraction must be a priority for Congress moving forward. With stronger laws and increased border security, tragedies like the one that occurred in my home district could and should be avoided, and families like Pierce's might be saved from such a heartbreaking situation.